Downingtown Area School District adopts 2025-26 budget, raises tax rate 3.9% to fund full-day kindergarten

The Downingtown Area School District Board of Directors voted May 14 to approve the district’s 2025–26 general fund budget and related tax and levy resolutions, including a 3.9% tax-rate increase the board said is necessary to sustain programs such as full-day kindergarten.

Board members framed the vote as a difficult choice after months of budget adjustments. Superintendent Dr. M. O’Donnell told the board the district started the year with a projected $5 million deficit and has since reduced nearly 25 full‑time positions while trying to preserve key services and programs.

"At 1 point, we were at a $5,000,000 deficit. So we've reduced, nearly 25, full time positions that are mainly faculty member roles," O’Donnell said during his report. The administration’s files attached to the meeting, the superintendent said, include the updated budget proposal the board approved.

Board discussion repeated two central revenue pressures: higher-than-expected charter and…